Few Niggles

[kstandsteve]

Well having introduced myself straight in with some queries on the new motor;-

1) The centre arm rest has a AV IN/OUT on the rear. Its 2 seperate 3.5mm jack plugs. The problem is I cant get this to work. If I plug an ipod into the IN socket I get nothing on the headunit. If I scroll thru modes it goes thru Radio/Tape/cd but no AUX? Any ideas. The car has satnav and the widescreen headunit.

2) My rear upper hatch only unlocks with the key fob or the button inside the car - the external handle doesnt open the hatch - any ideas?

3) The car is fitted with V50 phone kit but no bluetooth. Whats the best way of getting an iphone4 to work in it.

Cheers for any help on the above initial probs

[X5Sport]

I think you need to add the Aux input kit which provides a 3.5mm jack point in the glovebox in order to get the ipod to work. It only gives you an Audio in and no control functionality. For that you need an Intravee II or DICE system. I had the OEM Aux kit added at delivery, but then changed it for the Dension ICE>Link Plus (no longer available) on mine, which is OK but needed some wiring changes. Plwenty of folks here have done similar things to get it to work.

Your upper hatch problem sounds like a switch fault unfortunately - have a look at Realoem and put your last 7 VIN character in to get the right parts lists.

By 'V50' kit, do you mean there is a handset in the upper centre armrest section and you put your SIM card into the car? If so, I don't think you can pair it to any other phone. I have this system in my own E53. Even if you do get the iphone to pair, the functionality is limited as the car does not support the right versions of bluetooth.

[kstandsteve]

Thanks for reply

I assumed that as the aux in sockets are fitted the kit would be also. I am aware that control still is with iPod but it will suffice until I buy an Intravee kit which seems the best solution. Like I said tho I can't get any music out of the aux input but I don't know how it's supposed to work. I assume I have to select aux in mejia.

I have looked at the parts list and the hatch lock is pretty expensive so might try taking it off and cleaning it

Re the phone all I have is the v50 eject box but no phone - and no Bluetooth.

[X5Sport]

The connections use a 4 ring 3.5mm plug if memory serves. Tip, Ring1, Ring 2, Ring 3. A standard 3.5mm stereo is only a three-ring.

You should only need a microswitch for the tailgate, not the whole lock - it works fine on the keyfob and button - I think its item 31 here...

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do ... g=41&fg=60

Puzzled how you can have a V50 snap-in, and no bluetooth. I guess the V50 had other electronics in the car that operated via a hard connection. Your best bet will be an aftermarket like the Parrot. You can fit a bluetooth system - BMW do a retrofit - but it's £££££

[kena]

The rear tailgate switch comes as a complete unit including the number plate lights. I had a light out and when tested found it wasn't the bulb. I had to purchase the whole unit a few months ago at a cost of £97 unpainted, which includes the 2 lights and tailgate switch. I tried to dis-assemble the old part but it wouldn't come to pieces.

[kstandsteve]

Ah never even considered the cable being wrong. Had a look on internet and it appears as I have sat nav i need a 4 pole cable with a built in resistor so that the headunit recognisises an mp3 player has been connected and provides the AUX IN within the menu.

Will contact bmw for the correct part - unless anyone has a link to a non bmw cable that works.

Re the V50 yes this is hard wired not bluetooth so looks like a parrot job then. I do have one i had in my e46 so this will prob fit.

Again looks like the rear hatch lock cant be dismantled so its either 97 quid plus paint or put up with it

One other thing - can the MW aeriel be improved - I like to listen to radio 5 (909) when sport is on but the reception is terrible.

Cheers

[X5Sport]

Assuming your 2001 model has the Mk3 satnav (CD Based) you should find this kit available fom your Dealer. No idea about any other manufacturers kits.

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do ... g=65&fg=95

With regard to the Medium Frequency (MF is the proper name for Medium Wave, MW) sensitivity, there's not much you can do. Reception is affected by so many factors that you may have nothing wrong with your aerial. MF broadcasts are affected by location, day/night propagation, sunspots (seriously, it is true), distance from nearest transmitter, certain types of weather condition.

This is the UK site list: http://www.bbc.co.uk/reception/transmit ... wave.shtml

Bear in mind that the proper length of an MF antenna is measured in tens of metres and you start to see the problems car manufacturers have!

Richard

[Turks]

Does the AV In/Out Jack not work when you have it plugged in and the TV on AV? I know this is not ideal but it gives you sound i'm sure... you just lose your Sat Nav and have a blank screen.


Turks.

[gchristofi]

the rear hatch switch is fiddly but can be repaired.... search for post called "Boot Switch/Latch"..

(sorry haven't quite figured how to link a post yet!)

[jaynana]

Turks, have you ever had the a/v input socket working that way? ie connect an mp3 player, put the head unit onto TV mode, with AV on, it brings sound without video?

or are you suggesting it works like that? I never knew it worked that way.

Reason i'm asking is - having read through many forums (xoutpost.com is a good one), i just ordered the part that is required to install a stereo aux input socket from the dealer!! i only hope that wasn't a waste of 50quid and i hope it works!!

j